UNILAG VC Felicitate As Olu Of Iwaya, Was Crowned

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor felicitate with Iwaya community, as His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Iwaya, Oba Suleiman Owolabi was crowned.

In African societies, especially Yoruba land, coronation is a historic event that attracts guests, from far and near.

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, there was no exception of that tradition at the Iwaya playground as His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Iwaya, Oba Suleiman Owolabi was crowned the paramount ruler of the Iwaya Community, amidst pomp and pageantry.

The coronation ceremony was attended by thousands of people elegantly dressed, including the crème de la crème of the society, government officials, traditional rulers of prestige and reverence, notable sons and daughters of the kingdom, and distinguished Nigerians including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, ably represented by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Mudashiru Ilupeju.

Speaking at the event, Professor Ilupeju expressed the delight of the University to be a part of the celebration and wished the new monarch many happy years on the coveted throne of his forefathers.

While describing the existing relationship of the institution with her host communities including Iwaya as impeccable, and the people as hospitable, the ceremony afforded Professor Ilupeju the opportunity to appreciate God and celebrate the traditional ruler whose reign he prayed would bring unimaginable peace, accelerated growth and lasting development to the community and its environs.

In his words “As a neighbor of this community, we are delighted to be here. The University of Lagos is so proud to be associated with the people. We are here to show solidarity as your partner and to reassure you as our host and neighbor that we will continue to work in ensuring that our communal relationship goes smoothly in this new era”.

Some of the guests at the occasion were the Chairman, Yaba Local Government, Mr. Omiyale Kayode Adejare, and his Surulere counterpart, Mr. Bamidele Yusuf.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the arrival of the King of Fuji music and Olori Omooba Akile Ijebu, Wasiu Ayinde popularly known as K1 De Ultimate who was on the bandstand to entertain invited dignitaries, sons, and daughters of Iwaya land.

It would be recalled that the community was thrown into mourning on Monday, January 14, 2019, when the 75-year-old Oba Murtala Ogun-Oloko joined his ancestors barely three weeks to the occasion of his coronation as King of the community in 2019.

The Late Ogun-Oloko had been the Baale (Chief) of the community for many years and was elevated to the class of a king by the Lagos State Government when the state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami presented to him the staff of office.

MySchoolNews reporting.